Spencer F. Baird (1823 - 1887)

Assistant Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution (1850-1878). Secretary of the Smithsonian (1878-1887). Donation of private collection of over 3,600 birds in 1850 established the Division of Birds. Instrumental in putting many researchers in the field. Founding member of American Ornithologists' Union. Member of the National Academy of Sciences.